Kamehameha advances on Furtado’s buzzer-beater

Star-Bulletin staff

Kid Clutch has struck again.

Pualei Furtado, who showed signs of brilliance under pressure last year as a freshman, swished a running 15-footer as time expired to lift 10th-ranked Kamehameha over Mid-Pacific 40-38 last night at Kekuhaupio Gym.

A frenzied crowd of about 600 saw Kamehameha advance to the final of the Interscholastic League of Honolulu girls basketball tournament. The Warriors, 7-6 in league play, will face Iolani tomorrow at Blaisdell Arena for the ILH's final state tournament berth.

The game featured 17 lead changes. The heart-breaking loss closed Mid-Pac's season at 3-10 in league play (8-12 overall). Johnelle Kapua led the Owls with 14 points. Jenna Savusa added 11 points and nine boards.

The Warriors can thank Furtado, who was among a number of stellar defensive stoppers. Her offense wasn't explosive, but her timing was impeccable. On the game's final play, Kamehameha inbounded from its corner with 3.2 seconds left.

Furtado was immediately double-teamed in the corner.

"I couldn't really see the basket, to be honest," she said.

She found a gap, took a dribble and floated the runner.

"I just knew we needed to score, so I tried to take it to the basket," Furtado said.

The Warriors beat the young Owls twice in the regular season by 12- and 8-point margins. However, the visitors used a 2-3 zone to stymie Kamehameha, which shot just 35 percent (16-for-46).

The Warriors made up for it by outrebounding the Owls 22-19, including 13 offensive boards.

Rhani Kaneaiakala powered the way with 15 points, eight caroms and three blocks.